Tennis Elbow: Effective Treatment Without Surgery

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition affecting the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, most people who develop tennis elbow never play tennis - it commonly affects people who do repetitive gripping activities.

Common Causes

• Repetitive gripping or twisting movements

• Computer mouse use

• DIY activities (painting, using tools)

• Racquet sports with poor technique

• Manual work (plumbing, carpentry)

Evidence-Based Treatment

Modern physiotherapy for tennis elbow focuses on:

1. Load Management

Identifying and modifying the activities that aggravate your symptoms without complete rest.

2. Progressive Loading Exercises

Specific exercises that gradually strengthen the affected tendons. The key is progressive overload - starting easy and gradually increasing difficulty.

3. Manual Therapy

Soft tissue massage and joint mobilisations can help reduce pain and improve movement.

4. Ergonomic Advice

Modifications to your workstation, tools, or sports technique to prevent recurrence.

Recovery Timeline

Tennis elbow can take 6-12 months to fully resolve. Patience and consistency with your exercise programme are essential. Most people see significant improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting appropriate treatment.